Photo Credit: Josh Goleman

After previously announcing the release of their ninth studio album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, due on April 28, via 4AD, The National have followed up with a preview off the impending drop–their second single, “New Order T-Shirt.” 

First Two Pages of Frankenstein was recorded and produced by The National at Long Pond Studios in upstate New York and arrives after two back-to-back LPs and some time on the road. According to a press release, the project was initially stalled while Matt Berninger experienced “a very dark spot where I couldn’t come up with lyrics or melodies at all.”

The National “managed to come back together and approach everything from a different angle, and because of that we arrived at what feels like a new era for the band,” which is comprised of his brother Aaron on guitar, piano and bass along with brothers Scott Devendorf on bass and guitar and Bryan Devendorf on drums along with Berninger on vocals.

About today’s single, “New Order T-Shirt,” Aaron Dessner offered, “To me the line ‘I keep what I can of you’ means something about everyone I’ve known and loved.’ There’s a simplicity to ‘New Order T-Shirt’ that remains of our earlier records, but with the full maturity and experience we have now. It feels like a really important song for the future of our band.” 

The group’s latest single follows the release of “Tropical Morning News,” the initial song to be shared off First Two Pages of Frankenstein. Moreover, the 11-track project signals a new chapter in the band’s discography and features guest appearances courtesy of Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens. 

Pre-order the First Two Pages of Frankenstein here.

Listen to “New Order T-Shirt” below.